SRINAGAR: The Centre is working on plans to extend the Ranbir Canal on the Chenab River as part of efforts to maximise water use following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), PTI reported.
India has so far used a limited share of Chenab water, primarily for irrigation. With the treaty now in abeyance, authorities see scope for expanded use, particularly in hydropower generation to meet energy demands.
Quoting a senior official, PTI reported that the government aims to increase hydropower capacity beyond the current 3,000 MW on rivers earlier used by Pakistan. A feasibility study is being planned.
“One of the major proposals is to enhance the Ranbir Canal to 120 kilometres,” the official said, adding that stakeholders have been asked to expedite work due to the infrastructure requirements involved.
Desilting work has also begun on Kathua, Ravi, and Paragwal canals to improve water flow and utilisation, another official added.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governed the use of the Indus river system between India and Pakistan. The treaty was suspended by India after the Pahalgam attack, with New Delhi maintaining it will remain in abeyance until Pakistan permanently ends support for cross-border terrorism.
